As a cricketer and the captain of Pakistan, Imran Khan earned a reputation for turning around seemingly impossible situations.
In 1996 the charismatic leader did it not on the cricket pitch, but in a legal battle against England cricketers.
In a significant court ruling, Imran Khan won a controversial libel case in London, where former England cricket stars Ian Botham and Allan Lamb accused him of branding them as “uneducated racists” during an interview.
Botham’s lawsuit also included allegations relating to a May 1994 article, in which Imran purportedly accused Botham of ball-tampering. However, the jury ruled in Imran’s favour, much to his surprise and the astonishment of Botham and Lamb.
As a result of the verdict, Botham and Lamb were required to cover court costs estimated at £500,000 ($750,000). The jury, which consisted of five women and seven men, clearly left the former England stars in shock.
In his defense, Imran argued that his statements were taken out of context and even issued an apology to Botham and Lamb during the hearing.
Imran said that the jury’s decision vindicated not just him, but also his fellow Pakistani cricketers, and he expressed hope that the International Cricket Council (ICC) would address the issue of ball-tampering. “I’ve been vindicated,” Imran said after the verdict. “I am sad because I have had to come to this court. It was not because of me. I feel very sad for Ian Botham.
“I never called anyone a racist, underclass and a cheat. I am also happy that Pakistani cricketers have been vindicated. They had been called cheats throughout.”
Botham, on his part, expressed his disbelief at the ruling. “Astonishment is a fair word,” said Botham, when asked about the verdict. “I am confused as to how it went against us.One thing no one can ever accuse me of is being a racist or a cheat…I fought for my dignity and honesty.”
While Botham appeared to accept the verdict, Lamb was clearly disheartened. “This is what I get for coming here and trying to clear my name,” the former Test player said at the time.
Interestingly, after their initial deliberation, the jury reported that they could not reach a unanimous decision. The court then informed them that a majority verdict of 10-2 would be acceptable, leading the jury to deliberate for an additional five hours before reaching their final decision.
Much of the testimony over the 13 days focused on the issue of ball-tampering, with submissions from various figures including England captain Michael Atherton and Botham’s wife, Kathy. The court heard that scratching or pitting the ball with fingernails or bottle caps could alter its behaviour, giving bowlers an advantage.
Large crowds attended to hear prominent cricket figures, including former England opener Geoffrey Boycott and Botham’s former captain David Gower, testify. Imran’s lawyer also called upon then England captain Atherton, who acknowledged that ball-tampering was widespread and called for its legalisation.
Interestingly, this verdict came just a couple of days after England suffered a significant defeat to Pakistan in the first Test at Lord’s.